Swindon Ladies 1s v BAC 1s

Match report from Victoria:

Swindon started strongly, pressurising the visitors through their well-drilled high energy pressing game. With the ball, attacks were beginning to tell. The BAC goalkeeper was forced into making a succession of successful saves against shots from Lynsey Wall, Adriana Boullosa and Chloe Lewis. The prolonged period of pressure from the Swindon forwards finally paid dividends when Swindon converted a penalty corner thanks to Angela Cooke’s coolly taken stroke from the top of the D.

The highly anticipated clean sheet was not to transpire however. Benefiting from an once-in-a-lifetime piece of individual brilliance to increase the tension of the crowd. Swindon went in the break at 1-1, disappointed that their passing accuracy had let them down in the final third.

The second half started with Swindon on the offensive. Their tactical reshuffle enabled Hope Stevenson and Linda Brouwers to link up effectively. The next short corner gave Swindon the chance to capitalise on their superiority. The initial shot saved; Gemma Scrase, living up to her affectionate nickname ‘Jack in the box’ remained alert enough to pounce on the rebound and ripple the net. Tails up, Swindon pegged BAC into their half with Lewis, in particular, unlucky not to see her name on the scoresheet. The sustained attacks were further rewarded as a loose ball popped up to Scrase who sealed her man of the match performance with an accomplished finish on her reverse.

Despite chances for both teams, surprisingly it was BAC who were able to find the back of the net next. Swindon’s momentary drop in concentration led to a short corner which was converted past the unfortunate Swindon keeper Alexis Hogarth .

Swindon did well to close out the game, keeping the ball away from the opposition to seal the 3-2 win. Swindon captain Adriana, in reflective mood after the match, noted “It was not a pretty game but we won, and thanks to Jack in the box we are top of the league!”

Mom: Gemma Scrase